SCHELOTTO'S INTERNATIONAL DREAM

1 September 2017

Geoff Penn Ezequiel Schelotto

Kieran Cleeves

New Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ezequiel Schelotto hopes playing in the Premier League can help in his quest to play for the Argentinian national team, despite making his international debut for Italy against England in 2012.

The 28-year-old joined the Seagulls on a three-year contract from Sporting Lisbon yesterday, and expressed his happiness to be joining Albion in the Premier League, as he fulfils a lifelong dream.

He said, “I am very happy Brighton opened the door for me to come here. My dream of playing in the Premier League is now a reality.

"When I was growing up in Argentina, I saw the Premier League on TV all the time. I hope to give my best to the club, the manager and the staff.

“I have one selection for the Italian national team in a friendly game. I have good memories from that game, even though we lost 2-1. I remember the big players on the pitch, such as Gerrard and Lampard. It was a good souvenir.

“I’m happy that the Italian national team gave me that one opportunity, and I won’t close the door on them, but my heart is from Argentina and the dream is to play for them.

“The Premier League is the biggest league in the world. It’s now a reality that Brighton are in the Premier League, and hopefully that helps open the door to the Argentinian national squad.

Schelotto joins Albion after making over 180 appearances in the top tiers of Italy and Portugal, and the right-back showed his gratitude towards the club, before expressing his desire to succeed on the south coast.

"The decision was easy because my dream has been to play in the Premier League. I consulted my family and agent after speaking to the manager, coach and staff at Brighton, and it helped my decision.

"Respect to the coach and the staff of Brighton, they opened a big door and I have an opportunity to start a new adventure and I'm happy with that.

"The Premier League is different to Italy and Portugal. I hope to give my best to the team, to the coach and to the supporters.

Firstly, I'll give my best to win a lot of games for Brighton and secondly I hope at the end of the season, Brighton are in the middle of the table. I'll give my maximum to the team.”